How to avoid buying counterfeit electronics

You may not know this, but fake technology products in use at your home, at work, and by US military and government offices are at an all time high.

According to a newly released study, counterfeit technology goods quadrupled from 2009 to 2011. A few years ago, the FBI seized over $70 million counterfeit CISCO routers which are commonly used at home and at work for access to the Internet.

DHS said that consumer electronic counterfeits topped the pirated goods list last year beating out counterfeit shoes for the #1 spot!

WBTV's Cyber Expert explains how to avoid buying counterfeit technology and what to do if you think you have been duped.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Ask questions about where your technology comes from.

Buy from reputable retailers:

It's not a guarantee that you will not get a counterfeit but you will have recourse to return the item if you do.

You get what you pay for:

Getting technology at the cheapest price might not be the best bargain - counterfeit goods are often much cheaper than the legitimate version